3 Factors To Evaluate When Trying To Decide To Repair Or Replace A Broken Washing Machine
When an appliance, such as your washing machine, breaks, homeowners often wonder whether to fix the item or replace it. This is a big question to ask when you experience a problem with an appliance, but there is a good way to make this decision. When your washing machine breaks down and is not working, you can decide whether to fix it or repair it by evaluating the following three factors.
The Age of the Device
Most washing machines will last between 8 to 16 years with the proper care, which is why you should factor in the age of your device when you are making this decision. If your machine is brand-new, you probably want to fix it, simply because it should still have a lot of life left in it. In addition, a brand-new device might have a warranty on it. If you are not sure if you have a warranty, look at the paperwork you received when you purchased the device. If you have a warranty, you can probably get the machine repaired for free or for a discounted rate.
If your machine is eight years old or older, replacing it is probably a good idea, especially if it is closer to 16 years old. A washer that lasts for 16 years has served its duties and functions, and you should expect to have to replace it soon.
Whether or Not You Can Fix It
There are times when a washing machine stops running for reasons that are very simple to fix. For example, if your washer will not turn on, is it possible that the breaker to the washer tripped and is now shut off? If so, fixing your machine could be as simple as resetting the breaker.
Another simple fix might involve turning on the water valves to the device. This is a simple solution when the machine is not filling up with water at all or fast enough. If this is the problem you are having, try opening the valves to see if it solves the issue.
When water does not come into your device, it could also be due to a clog in the filter. Every washer has filters on the water hoses, and these are designed to remove impurities from water. If your water is really hard, it may leave a lot of residue on the filter, and this might be the reason your washer is not filling up.
Before you decide to scrap your washer or call a washing machine repair company, take a look at the device to see if you could fix the problem yourself. If you can, you will save a lot of money.
The Costs of the Repairs
A lot of appliance repair companies will offer estimates for repairs before they make them. While you might have to pay a service fee to get the estimate, at least you would know how much the repairs will cost before you decide whether to fix the appliance or purchase a new one.
A rule of thumb a lot of people use in this situation is to purchase a new appliance if the costs for repairs are 40% to 50% of the original price you paid for the device. For example, if you purchased the washer for $800 five years ago and the repairs will be $400, you might be better off replacing the appliance with a brand-new one.
Buying a new washing machine is expensive, especially when compared to the average cost of fixing a washer. If you would like to find out how much it would cost to fix your broken appliance, contact an appliance repair company, such as Anderson's Appliance Repair Service, today.